Sato the Rabbit, A Sea of Tea
Sato the Rabbit, A Sea of Tea
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Written and illustrated by Yuki Ainoya
Translated by Michael Blaskowsky
In this third installment of the whimsical series originally published in Japan, the titular Sato continues his adventures, exploring both expansive landscapes—snowy fields, forests, oceans made of tea—and tiny microcosms of worlds, found in unlikely places—like within a freshly-baked pie! In Sato's reality, which is in many ways similar to our own, seemingly commonplace occurrences are portals to new and fantastical experiences, and every object possesses an intrinsic magic and aliveness. Like all of the installments in the trilogy, this collection of vignettes reminds us to look closely at what is small and often overlooked, and to open ourselves to wonder.
ISBN: 978-1-59270-355-5
7.4” (W) x 8.2” (H) • 72 pages • HCJ • Ages 4-8
AWARDS & REVIEWS
“A child dressed in a white rabbit suit transforms an ordinary teatime into a series of whimsical adventures involving a raspberry room, a kite catching a slice of sky, and more. Each story is a tiny journey into Sato’s vast imagination…, depicting the seasons in all their natural splendor... At times embodying Lewis Carroll’s absurdity, Ainoya’s stories also evoke the quiet pleasure of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad series. Alternating vignettes and full-page illustrations immerse the reader in each boldly illustrated scene, with a lush, eye-catching palette that deserves repeat viewings to observe varying textures and lines in the artwork… Sato’s adventures will resonate with young readers who imagine their rooms and backyards to be brand-new worlds filled with fantastical elements. These readers will find a kindred spirit in Sato. And the digestible stories are the perfect length for bedtime. Bright, playful tales for bold young adventurers in a world of make-believe.” —Kirkus
“The third and final book about Sato the Rabbit takes readers on more fantastical adventures… Here, his adventures start with a cup of tea, a giant raspberry, a scoop of snow, and other familiar things in a child's life. But reality gives way to gentle trips of the imagination, into worlds conjured by shapes and colors, such as in my favorite chapter, ‘A Sea of Tea.’ Sato gazes into the setting sun while stirring his tea, and the shimmers of the liquid turn in a sea of tea, on which he is paddling, on a mint leaf, with his spoon as the oar. He pokes the lowering orange sun with his spoon, and fries it up, flips it, then eats the lovely pancake it has become. Each short chapter with simple descriptive text is a foray into Sato's unique imagination. Lovely watercolor-like jewel tone colors in soft shapes make each imaginative adventure a happy event, free of danger. I love the elemental objects that kick off each journey, and the surprise where each one takes the reader... There is no overarching story, but for those who enjoy pure whimsy, it is a fun journey. For older fans of imaginative picture books, ages 4-8, who enjoyed Kaya Doi's Chirri & Chirra series. Art rooms could use the books as idea starters.” —Youth Services Book Review
"A surreal symphony of vibrant colors and images, Sato the Rabbit is a whimsical trilogy of picture books for readers age 4-8... All three books in Sato the Rabbit are a satisfying ode to the deep power—and beauty—of the imagination." —Nanette McGuiness, World Kid Lit